What Is Steel Cut Oats
All oats come from oat groats the whole, unbroken grains. Theyre then processed into different varieties of oats.
Steel Cut Oats, aka Irish Oats or Coarse Oatmeal, is a type of oats with the least amount of processing compared to Rolled Oats and Instant Oats. Theyre just coarsely chopped 2 or 3 times, and neither steamed nor rolled.
How Can I Adapt For Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats
The slow cooker requires more liquid. Youll need 4 parts liquid to 1 part steel cut oats. Cook on Low setting for no longer than 6-7 hours.
If your slow cooker tends to run hot, you may need to cut the time down in order to prevent sticking/browning on the bottom of pot. Its even better if youre able to give it a quick stir during cooking. You can also stir in some milk once the oatmeal is done, to soften up the bottom and get your oatmeal to a creamy consistency.
What Do Steel Cut Oats Taste Like
We love steel cut oats because they have a nutty flavor to them, but also take on whatever flavors you add to it. So, if you add pumpkin or mashed banana, they will taste like that.
Do they taste different than rolled oats? The taste of steel cut oatmeal is rather similar to the taste of rolled oats, however, the texture is what is most different. Steel cut oatmeal is thicker and has more of a bite to it.
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Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats + 12 Topping Ideas
Fail-proof Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats and 12 topping ideas! 4 savory and 8 sweet. Add any milk you want to make it high fat, low fat, vegan, vegetarian, whichever way you like.
I couldnt be happier with the result of multiple recipe tests. I love steel-cut oats and I love my Instant Pot! The pressure cooker makes just about any grain taste amazing. I mean, has there ever been anything better than Instant Pot Rice? Exactly!
What Is Steel Cut Oatmeal
Wondering what is steel cut oatmeal?I know I was because here in the UK we call it coarse oatmeal. Steel cut oats have many names, I learned theyre also referred to as Irish oats and pinhead oats.
Steel cut oatmeal is made from the groats of whole oats that have been cut into 2 or 3 pieces. Groats are the inner piece with the inedible covering removed. The name steel cut oats comes from the large steel blade that is used to chop them into pieces.
What do steel cut oats taste like? They have a nuttier flavour than regular oats. They also have a chewier texture and take longer to cook.
I think steel cut oats are a hearty, flavourful alternative to traditional oats. And by cooking them in the Instant Pot, that whole take longer to cook thing is not a problem at all.
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Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats
If you are a lover of a bowl of healthy steel cut oatmeal in the morning, todays post is for you. The recipe for Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats is virtually hands-off. It cooks in a matter of minutes with the help of my Instant Pot. With the perfect ratio of steel cut oats to liquid, this Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe can be made any time of year. Make a big batch, top it off with your favorite nuts and fruit, and enjoy it throughout the week for a hearty weekday breakfast!
Although the warmer months are upon us here in Vermont, the early, sun-filled mornings make me crave a comforting, nutritious breakfast. And with summer berries at their peak, all I want to do is enjoy them first thing in the morning over a bowl of warm instant pot oats.
That was the inspiration for this quick steel cut oatmeal recipe. If you have been following me for a while, you probably know I am a huge fan of steel cut oats for breakfast. I have already shared my two other favorite ways of cooking it: Overnight Steel Cut Oats and Steel Cut Oats in Slow Cooker.
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Experiment Conclusion
We enjoy Steel Cut Oats that are al dente with creamy & thick consistency, so our desired Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Method is Test #4.
Our Recommendations for Other Steel Cut Oats Preferences:
- Slightly more moist: follow the method of Test #1.
- Quite soft & really creamy: follow the method of Test #6.
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How To Cook Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Type of oats: Steel cut oats
- Cooking ratio: For every 1 cup of steel cut oats, add 2 1/2 cups of water
- Cooking time: 4 minutes at high pressure with 15 minutes natural pressure release
Similar to my Instant Pot oatmeal recipe, the primary difference when pressure cooking steel cut oats is that it calls for a longer cook time and more time to let the pressure release naturally. This makes sense since steel cut oats, unlike rolled oats, are not precooked.
What Kind Of Milk Can Be Used For Oatmeal
Any kind of milk can be used for oatmeal, or use water instead. Youll have the creamiest texture if you use milk, but its entirely up to your taste preference.
We buy whole milk, so that is what I use, but reduced fat, low fat milk, lactose free milk will also work. You can also use any type of dairy free milk too, such as almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc.
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Difference Between Steel Cut Oats And Rolled Oats
Oat groats look similar to wheat seeds but are larger in size. Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats or pinhead, are processed by breaking the oat groats into 3-4 pieces with sharp steel blades.
Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats need more processing. They are made by steaming, rolling and toasting the oat groats, which creates that flat flaked look, and therefore cook faster because of the flat surface area.
Storage And Reheating Tips
This oatmeal will keep for about a week in the fridge.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm int he microwave or on the stove.
Steel cut oats reheat very well on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might find they thicken a bit, but you can thin them down with water or a milk of your choice.
More tasty breakfast & brunch recipes:
Best meal of the day, in my humble opinion! Here are some popular breakfast ideas:
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Instant Pot Or Pressure Cooker
I love using our Instant Pot for the most hands-off, set it and forget it oats. But honestly, while the cooking time is short, its not exactly instant. Instant Pots and pressure cookers take time to heat up and depressurize, so make sure to give yourself enough time for the process. In the bowl of a 6-quart Instant Pot or pressure cooker, stir together the steel cut oats and water. Secure the lid and turn the steam valve to seal.
Press the pressure cook button, then set the cook time to 4 minutes on HIGH pressure. The Instant Pot will read ON as it comes to pressure, which will take about 15 minutes. When the floating valve in the lid pops up that means the pot is pressurized and the countdown will begin.
When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn the steam release valve to vent to release any remaining pressure. Then carefully remove the lid and stir the oats to incorporate any water on top. The oats will continue to thicken as they set.
How Many Portions Of Steel Cut Oats Does This Recipe Make
This Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe will make enough for 4 large portions or 6 smaller portions. The sweet spot is 5 portions, making it the perfect recipe to prepare for a quick and healthy breakfast throughout the week.Feel free to double the recipe to make an appropriate 10 portions for 2 people. My husband certainly appreciates this come weekday mornings!
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What Liquid Should I Cook The Oats In
Water!! For many reasons. Cooking dairy under high-pressure kind of end ups super weird. Dairy can curdle or separate when pressure cooking. You also risk your pressure valve getting clogged because dairy foams at a high temperature.
Nut milks can burn and you end up with the dreaded burn warning on your display.
Water is and always will be the best liquid to cook steel cut oats and the best part: it tasted neutral. You can play will your toppings to make your oats taste like anything you want.
You can make your steel cut oats savory or sweet. They just have an amazing texture with which you can now work to transform into your favorite breakfast bowl.
If you insist in wanting to add milk to your oats I recommend you check out these overnight oats. Those are awesome with milk instead of water 🙂
The Best Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe
Ive made oatmeal fast in the microwave, low and slow in the slow cooker, and overnight in the fridge, but this oatmeal recipe made in the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker makes make-ahead oatmeal such a cinch, and so convenient, that its become my new favorite method. And even better, it works with both steel cut oats and rolled oats, for a healthy breakfast that I can make different every day of a week that doesnt require any babysitting or tending as it cooks.
Today Im sharing how to make Instant Pot oatmeal with both steel cut oats and rolled oats, plus 10 flavor combinationsfrom fruit or kale, to chocolate chips and nut buttersto make this oatmeal totally your own.
My family has a long history of eating oatmeal for breakfast. As a kid, I never even knew you could make oatmeal on the stove top, because my mom would always buy the instant quick oats oatmeal packets, placing them easily within our elementary school arms reach so my little sister and I could boil the water for the packet of oats and mystery ingredients to make our own breakfast before school.
My mom was smart that way. We learned how to fend for ourselves and she earned herself a little extra mom time in the morning with her coffee and the Today Show.
As I moved on in life, I sort of fell off the oatmeal-for-breakfast train and favored scrambled eggs, or cottage cheese and toast, or my fave microwave egg whites and spinach toasted bagel as my made-in-the-office breakfast instead.
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What Is The Liquid To Steel Cut Oats Ratio
I found the ratio of 1 ½ cups steel cut oats to 4 cups liquid is the perfect ratio to make steel cut oats that are both tender and moist without being gummy. For this recipe, I used water with a dash of salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the oatmeal in an Instant Pot.
PRO TIP: If you are looking for super creamy pressure cooker steel cut oats, I found the best ratio is 1 cup milk mixed with 3 cups water.This produces lusciously creamy oatmeal while still retaining its natural flavor. I really enjoy the flavor of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in mine, but you can use any of your favorite milk or non-dairy milk variety.
And remember, you can always add another splash or two of milk when you are ready to reheat for breakfast each morning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
What Is The Ratio Of Water To Steel Cut Oats?
The ratio of water to steel cut oats is 2:1. For example, 2 cups water and 1 cup steel cut oats.
How Much Does 1/4 Cup Steel Cut Oats Make Cooked?
1/4 cup steel cut oats will double in size as they absorb the liquid, making about 1/2 a cup of cooked steel cut oats.
Are Instant Steel Cut Oats Healthy?
Yes! Theyre high in fiber, they have a low glycemic index, a good source of iron, high in protein and are naturally gluten free .
What Is The Difference Between Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats and Regular Steel Cut Oats?
While shopping for steel cut oats you might notice two different kinds at the grocery store. Regular steel cut oats are the kind that I used in this recipe. Quick cooking steel cut oats take less time to cook. Theyre similiar to regular steel cut oats but are cut into smaller pieces which is why they take less time to cook.
Can I Cook Steel Cut Oats With Frozen Fruit?
Yes! 1/2 cup to 1 cup of frozen fruit added to this recipe will work. You can try frozen blueberries, raspberries or sliced strawberries.
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Benefits Of Steel Cut Oats And Why They Are Healthy
Oats are among the healthiest foods that you can eat! They are a natural superfood as they are whole-grains. And, they are high in protein, minerals, and fiber. Also rich in antioxidants and help lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reducing risks of heart disease. Moreover, they are naturally gluten-free.
The Perfect Oatmeal To Water Ratio
The liquid to oat ratios are important depending on which type of oat youre using.
- For steel cut oats: use a 3 to 1 ratio aka 3 cups liquid to 1 cup oats
- For rolled oats: use a 2 to 1 ratio aka 2 cups liquid to 1 cup oats
I think these ratios are on the money.HOWEVERdepending on how creamy or not you like your oatmeal, take a cue from my sister the scientist and test the recipe for yourself, take notes, and add more liquid the next time you make it for even creamier bites.
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Why Make Steel Cut Oats In An Instant Pot
While other cooking methods might result in mushy, bland, or unappetizing oats, making steel oats in the Instant Pot gives you exactly the opposite result. Forget about microwaving or buying those ready to pour over boiled water options, and make a really delicious breakfast with your Instant Pot in no time!
It is faster, safer, and healthier to make oats in Instant Pot. You get perfectly cooked steel oats every single time. No burning accidents and the cleaning up is always a breeze! And most importantly, you do not need to babysit the pot.
I wish my mom had an Instant Pot back then when we were kids so she wouldnt have had to spend her precious time in the mornings watching and stirring the oats to avoid them getting stuck to the bottom or even worse, get burnt.
The Instant Pot method is officially my favorite way of cooking steel oats and I cannot recommend it enough. Just give it a try and see if you like it as much as I do!
Step Two: Place The Liquid Oats And Salt In A Saucepan
- Note the emphasis on salt above. Add a good pinch for each cup of steel cut oats.
- I always recommend kosher salt, which has a clean taste. Also, because the grains are larger, youll more easily avoid over salting your food.
- Salt wont make the oats taste salty. Rather, it wakes up their flavor and helps ensure the oats are not at all bland.
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How To Set The Delay Timer On Instant Pot
To set the delay timer on most Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers:
*Note: We have set it to start cooking in 8 hours in the above picture.
It is all set!
Are Steel Cut Oats Healthy
Yes! Steel cut oats are a great source of whole grains providing fiber, iron, B vitamins, and have a low glycemic index.
Because steel cut oats are a complex carbohydrate, they can help provide sustained energy.
Steel cut oats have been minimally processed and they also contain a decent amount of protein.
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How To Cook Seel Cut Oats Perfectly
When searching for the best steel cut oats recipe on the Internet, youll find mostly stove top variations. We, however, beg to differ! Insert > your slow cooker!
The slow cooker is seriously the easiest, most carefree way to make steel cut oats. Its a set it and forget it kind of method AND, you can make a lot at once!
Your oats come out super fluffy, flavorful, and have the perfect nutty bite to them. Plus, compared to cooking steel cut oats on the stovetop, there is no stirring involved. Heck yes!
Are Steel Cut Oats Healthier Than Other Oats
Yes and No.
Though Steel Cut Oats are the least processed, the differences in nutrition are very minor.
- For example, Steel Cut Oats is a bit lower in calories than Rolled Oats, but equal in protein, identical carbohydrate count, similar fiber, hardly any sugar .
Then, Why Eat Steel Cut Oats?
The key difference is Steel Cut Oats is lower on Glycemic Index than other oats varieties.
Since Steel Cut Oats has less surface area than other oats, it slows digestion and causes the stomach to work longer to break down the grain.
Simple English: Steel Cut Oats makes you feel fuller longer & helps control your appetite!
*Note: Be sure to buy Steel Cut Oats with no added sugars, flavorings, or preservatives if your purpose to eating Oatmeal is to be healthy.
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